Franco's Ristorante

Name: Franco's Ristorante
Address: 300 W 31st St, Chicago, IL, United States, 60616-4963
Telephone: (312) 225-9566
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

506 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

If your preferred time is unavailable please call for possible openings.

Franco's Ristorante is the perfect combination of old world Italian classics and your new favorite pasta dishes. We've been around for over 27 years and have perfected our craft. Some of our most famous dishes include whipped ricotta tuffo, sausage and peppers, eggplant parmigiana and gnocchi.

Our great food and atmosphere helped us earn the honor of being named the Chicago Reader's 2016 "best place for a cheap date" and "best local restaurant."

You will be wowed when you step inside our bright, airy and modern restaurant. You can enjoy a drink at our new marble-topped bar or cozy up to tables with bright red-leather chairs and banquettes in the dining room. In the summer we are happy to offer outdoor seating that allows dogs.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 24, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(312) 225-9566

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Monday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm Friday: 11am-10pm Saturday: 4:00pm-10:00pm Sunday: 3:00pm-9:00pm
Phone number
(312) 225-9566
Website
http://www.francoschicago.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Catering
Let Franco's Ristorante bring your favorite dishes to you! Contact us to discuss our custom catering packages.
Private party facilities
Franco's Ristorante is the perfect place to host your next private event. Book Franco's for birthdays, anniversary parties, bridal showers, engagement parties, Christenings and holiday parties.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (855) 436-7721

Location
300 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616-4963
Neighborhood
Bridgeport
Cross street
31st and Princeton Ave.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Redline: Sox/35th<br />Greenline: 35th-Bronzeville-IIT
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Featured in

Where Chefs Eat in Chicago

Popular dishes

Grilled Calamari$14.00
Served with Mixed Greens, Balsamic Drizzle
Fried Calamari$12.00
Bruschetta$7.00
Sausage & Peppers$12.00
With Roasted Potatoes and Onions
Nonna's Meatball$11.00
Marinara, Parmesan
Whipped Ricotta Tuffo$9.00
Ricotta, Orange Marmalade, Honey, Crostinis
Stuffed Peppers$9.00
Sausage, Zesty Tomato Sauce
Salsiccia e Rapini Pizette$9.00
Sausage, Calabrian Chilis, Rapini, Mozzarella
Bruschetta Pizette$8.00
Homemade Bruschetta Mix with Mozzarella and Fresh Basil
Franco's Pizette$10.00
Sausage, Peppers, Caramelized Onions, Mozzarella
Baked Clams$16.00
One dozen per order
Soup of the Day
- Cup$3.50
- Bowl$6.00

Insalata

Caprese$9.00
Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Peppercorn Salad$9.00
Romaine, Tomatoes, Parmesan, Peppercorn Dressing
Roasted Beet Salad$9.00
Mixed Greens, Candied Walnuts, Goat Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Caesar Salad$9.00
Romaine, Croutons, Caesar Dressing
House Salad$8.00
Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Onions, Carrots, Balsamic Dressing
Nonna's Meatball Salad$12.00
Romaine, Carrots, Cucumbers, Red Onions, Italian Vinaigrette, Nonna's Meatball
Chopped Salad$11.00
Carrots, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Roasted Peppers, Pasta, Blue Cheese
Mario's Salad$12.00
Romaine, Mixed Field Greens, Olives, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Pepperoncini, Provolone, Salami, Italian Vinaigrette
Arugula Salad$9.00
Shaved Parmigiano Regiano Cheese, Italian Vinaigrette, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion

Pasta

Gluten free pasta options available

Jumbo Rigatoni$16.00
Nonna's Sunday Gravy
Pipette "Little Pipes" alla Vodka$14.00
Vodka Cream Sauce, Fresh Ricotta
Fettuccine alla Franco$16.00
Mushrooms, Chicken, Pesto Cream Sauce
Orecchiette$16.00
Chicken, Spinach, Tomatoes, White Wine Sauce
Shrimp Fra Diavolo$18.00
Linguini, Shrimp, Zesty Marinara Sauce
Fusilli$14.00
Red Peppers, Peas, Light Tomato Sauce
Pasta Marinara$12.00
Choice of Penne, Rigatoni or Capellini
Penne Buttera$15.00
Sausage, Peas, Tomato Cream Sauce
Housemade Gnocchi$15.00
Fresh Tomato Sauce
Tortellini Carbonara$15.00
Prosciutto, Peas, Cream Sauce
Bucatini$15.00
Calabrian Chilis, Crumbled Sausage, Roasted Garlic, Fresh Tomatoes
Rigatoni Arrabbiata$15.00
Zesty Marinara Sauce, Prosciutto
Cheese Ravioli$14.00
Fresh Tomato Sauce
Spicy Penne Pesto$15.00
Spicy Pesto Cream Sauce, Prosciutto, Capers
Daily Risotto
- MP

Entrata

Chicken Giardiniera$18.00
Breaded Chicken Cutlet, House-Made Giardiniera, Roasted Potatoes
Breaded Veal Cutlet$20.00
Rapini, Fresh Tomatoes, Roasted Potatoes
Salsiccia e Rapini$16.00
Sausage, Calabrian Chilis, Rapini, Roasted Potatoes
Pan Seared Salmon$19.00
Spinach, Tomatoes, Garlic, Roasted Potatoes
Vesuvio
Bone-In, Peas, Roasted Garlic, Vesuvio Potatoes
- Bone-In Chicken$17.00
- Pork Chop$20.00
Marsala
Mushrooms, Sweet Marsala Wine, Served with Pasta
- Chicken$17.00
- Veal$20.00
Parmigiana
Served on a Bed of Pasta
- Eggplant$15.00
- Chicken$17.00
- Veal$20.00
Limone
Lemon Butter Sauce, Served with Pasta
- Chicken$17.00
- Veal$20.00
Milanese
Breaded Cutlet, Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, Italian Vinaigrette, Served on a Bed of Roasted Potatoes
- Chicken$17.00
- Veal$20.00

Contorni

Sautéed Vegetables$6.00
Choice of Rapini, Spinach, Mushrooms, Broccoli
Sausage$6.00
Pasta Marinara$4.00
Potatoes$6.00
Choice of Roasted or Vesuvio

Pannino

All Sandwiches Served with Italian Fries

Grilled Chicken$9.00
Chicken Breast, Mozzarella, Pesto Aioli, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Served on a Ciabatta
Chicken Parmesan$10.00
Breaded Chicken Breast, Mozzarella, Marinara
Meatball$10.00
Nonna's Meatballs, Mozzarella, Marinara
Breaded Pork$11.00
Breaded Pork Cutlet, Rapini, Provolone Cheese, Garlic Aioli
Hamburger$10.00
Half Pound Gourmet Steak Burger, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion
Italian Hamburger$12.00
Mozzarella, Garlic Aioli, Sautéed Peppers, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion
Caprese Sandwich$8.00
Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto Aioli, Tomatoes, Basil, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Served on Toasted Focaccia

What 506 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Italian
Chicago
Best Value
Chicago
Italian

Sort by

Filters

RM
RebeccaM
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food4service3ambience4
Our server was too shy to be a server. Thought he was a busser or food runner. Otherwise, always a favorite local spot.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Grand Rapids
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love Franco’s! We live nearby, this is the perfect spot to bring family or friends, or just for a date night! Our favorites are the whipped ricotta Tuffo, the gnocchi, and the cannoli dip to finish!
a
audreym
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My business lunch was pleasantly surprising! I took food home to my husband. He enjoyed it. We are coming back!
F
Fredo
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great service and great food, will defenetly go back.
M
Matt
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
First time at Franco’s Ralph was our server did a great job. We had the bruschetta and cauliflower special for appetizers. Gnocchi was amazing. Risotto special was delicious. Washed it down with Prosecco spritz and pistachio coppa dessert. 10/10 can’t wait to come back
c
cathleenk
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always-- excellent food, friendly staff and warm atmosphere.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. Service was outstanding, as always!! I would highly recommend!! Sooooo yummy!
FP
FrankP
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our meals were outstanding! Nice & cozy restaurant. Friendly service. First time here and we’ll definitely be back. We were referred here by friends in the neighborhood.
TV
TonyV
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time dining at Franco’s and it was absolutely fantastic! We caught an 830pm res and started off with meatballs and fried calamari, both hearty portions that were delicious. We shared the parmigiana and jumbo rigitoni after that and had plenty of leftovers to go home with. The service was the best and the whiskey and gin cocktails were great. It was like eating at my grandmas house *chefs kiss. Overall, I’d highly recommend this for date night, solo bar seating, or double dates as the space is small and intimate yet homey. Will go back
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, Quality, ambiance, and the drinks are exceptional
N
Nolagirl
Dallas
163 reviews
vip
5.0
163 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Franco's is consistently awesome! Had the meatball salad and risotto special! Both were wonderful. You have great staff and a lovely atmosphere! Love Franco's!
JC
JayC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Visited Franco’s after researching places throughout the area. It is a very small venue with a very Italian feel. The staff was exceptional, even accommodated us arriving very early for our reservation. The Chicken Giardeniera was absolutely amazing! We met some frequent customers that made the visit even more 5 star than the experience would have been with it them. Can’t wait to visit again next time we are in Chicago!
RM
RebeccaM
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Deanna is always amazing. Calamari is always fresh and delicious. Burger is soooooo tasty. And those fries. Yum.
V
Victor
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had 4 people Parmesan crust Halibut was great Gardinera crust Chicken was great Diablo Shimp were great tortellini was delicious. Rica cheese with orange marmalade was excellent. The Clams were excellent. Small conversation friendly definitly make a reservation for the weekend. Waitress was superior.
DF
DaveF
Chicago
76 reviews
5.0
76 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect as usual. Dinner date was amazing
RR
RossR
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
We live in Bridgeport and eat here at least once a month. Love the local atmosphere and the food is consistently good. I especially like the pastas and fish dishes - salmon or halibut. We love the salad with peppercorn dressing.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Monica is the greatest server ever. She barely swears at me any more and tolerates me because she likes my family. When she does curse at me she does it respectfully and quietly as to not embarrass me in front of the other customers.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
II cele food was authentic and delicious! I loved out intimate the setting was and the service was great!
h
hughs
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My favorite Italian restaurant in the city of Chicago.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best stuffed peppers I’ve ever had, easy parking, nice ambiance, great value.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best! Great staff.., excellent food
GL
GeorgianaL
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great old style Italian food. The flavors and the meal’s preparedness was excellent.
HK
HowardK
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good traditional Italian restaurant. Food was good. Same with service. Great prices.
JH
JenniferH
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had great service and great food, as always. They don't disappoint.
MM
MartinM
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding ! Really nice cozy great amazing vibes
KQ
KevinQ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and staff are always great, and the salmon hit the nail on the head for my diet. This is my favorite restaurant in Bridgeport.
LS
LorenS
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
That risotto with chicken and mushrooms was so delicious. I should have stopped but I couldn’t. All gone. Julie always orders a ravioli. Just right. But you guys owe me a luxardo cherry!
FT
FrankTheTank
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was very good. The service was very good. This is a very good local restaurant.
MM
MarcM
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite Italian restaurant in the area. Love the food, ambiance and service is always spot on. Ralph knows us and is quick to suggest a bottle of wine with our dinner.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best restaurant ever!!
JV
JannaV
Austin
25 reviews
vip
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Lovely dinner. Great service. Definitely would return.
JL
JLYV
Alabama
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience1
We had a reservation through Open Table and still had to wait 25 minutes for a table for Saturday night dinner. Restaurant is small and they did not put aside a table for us. We had to wait until a table finished dinner. Not professional. Food was average/
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place! Food portions are huge. The staff is amazing from busser to server.
AD
AddisonDiner
Chicago
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Been here many times & enjoyed every visit. The service is exceptional & the food is excellent. A true neighborhood gem! Certainly, this is worth the trip for the suburbs.
MH
MichelH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dinner (pasta) with friends just before the Chicago Marathon
DM
DianeM
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
FANTASTIC!!! I love the old school Italian vibe. Good crowd. Def. make reservations
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Beet salad is one of our favorites. Ralph is a great waiter. As always an excellent experience.
KH
KatieH
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this original Italian restaurant. It is an old Chicago style restaurant which updates its furniture but keeps the old style. Food is consistently great. Definitely busy and noisy like a true Italian meal should be with everyone talking and having a good time.
JS
JamesS
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service.
HR
HectorR
Chicago
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience3
Enjoyable dinner, my food order was excellent but my wife thought that her pork chop was rather bland in spite of the sauce drizzled over it. The server was attentive and made us feel welcome. It is a small cozy friendly intimate restaurant. Prices were very reasonable.We will definitely return.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Franco's Ristorante using the Order Online button. Franco's Ristorante also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Franco's Ristorante also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 225-9566.

Franco's Ristorante is rated 4.8 stars by 506 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 24, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(312) 225-9566

Other options

Order online

300 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616-4963

Additional information

Cross street
31st and Princeton Ave.
Neighborhood
Bridgeport
Hours of operation
Monday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm Friday: 11am-10pm Saturday: 4:00pm-10:00pm Sunday: 3:00pm-9:00pm
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Redline: Sox/35thGreenline: 35th-Bronzeville-IIT
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.francoschicago.com/
Phone number
(312) 225-9566
Catering
Let Franco's Ristorante bring your favorite dishes to you! Contact us to discuss our custom catering packages.
Private party facilities
Franco's Ristorante is the perfect place to host your next private event. Book Franco's for birthdays, anniversary parties, bridal showers, engagement parties, Christenings and holiday parties.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (855) 436-7721

Featured in

Where Chefs Eat in Chicago

Franco's Ristorante

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Where Chefs Eat in Chicago

Grilled Calamari

Meatball

Baked Clams

Antipasti

Grilled Calamari$14.00

Fried Calamari$12.00

Bruschetta$7.00

Sausage & Peppers$12.00

Nonna's Meatball$11.00

Whipped Ricotta Tuffo$9.00

Stuffed Peppers$9.00

Salsiccia e Rapini Pizette$9.00

Bruschetta Pizette$8.00

Franco's Pizette$10.00

Baked Clams$16.00

Soup of the Day

Insalata

Caprese$9.00

Peppercorn Salad$9.00

Roasted Beet Salad$9.00

Caesar Salad$9.00

House Salad$8.00

Nonna's Meatball Salad$12.00

Chopped Salad$11.00

Mario's Salad$12.00

Arugula Salad$9.00

Pasta

Jumbo Rigatoni$16.00

Pipette "Little Pipes" alla Vodka$14.00

Fettuccine alla Franco$16.00

Orecchiette$16.00

Shrimp Fra Diavolo$18.00

Fusilli$14.00

Pasta Marinara$12.00

Penne Buttera$15.00

Housemade Gnocchi$15.00

Tortellini Carbonara$15.00

Bucatini$15.00

Rigatoni Arrabbiata$15.00

Cheese Ravioli$14.00

Spicy Penne Pesto$15.00

Daily Risotto

Entrata

Chicken Giardiniera$18.00

Breaded Veal Cutlet$20.00

Salsiccia e Rapini$16.00

Pan Seared Salmon$19.00

Vesuvio

Marsala

Parmigiana

Limone

Milanese

Contorni

Sautéed Vegetables$6.00

Sausage$6.00

Pasta Marinara$4.00

Potatoes$6.00

Pannino

Grilled Chicken$9.00

Chicken Parmesan$10.00

Meatball$10.00

Breaded Pork$11.00

Hamburger$10.00

Italian Hamburger$12.00

Caprese Sandwich$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening